Romania’s drug use likely underreported, expert urges decriminalisation

A government report comparing 2019 and 2024 data indicates an overall rise in drug consumption in Romania, with a decline among men and an increase among women. A 2024 survey of 7,200 respondents showed that 18.5 % of people aged 15‑34 had tried an illegal drug at least once, 9.1 % in the past year and 6.2 % in the past month.

Criminologist Vlad Zaha argues that official figures underestimate the true scale because respondents fear prosecution and face‑to‑face interview methods discourage honest answers. He quoted: “Official figures mislead authorities” and emphasized that “consumers must be treated, not punished.” Independent research of over 10,000 youths found a cannabis‑use prevalence of nearly 50 % among 16‑25‑year‑olds, roughly three times the government’s estimate.

Zaha calls for the de‑criminalisation of drug use and for treating addiction as a public‑health issue rather than a criminal matter. He also notes a reported rise in cocaine use, which may in fact reflect synthetic substances sold as cocaine.